HARTSDALE, N.Y. — If you're tired of hectic parking lots and long lines on Black Friday, there's a way to avoid the extreme rush while supporting the Hartsdale community at the same time.

It's called Small Business Saturday — a shopping holiday put together by American Express that urges consumers to stay local when shopping during the sales-crazed holiday weekend. The Business Council of Westchester is also encouraging communities to "shop small" and take part in the event Saturday.

“With so many retailers offering deep discounts and opening their doors on Black Friday or even on Thanksgiving night, it is difficult for smaller retailers to compete,” Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said in a press release. “This Saturday, we will be supporting the smaller shops in our county, many of whom are our members, and we urge residents to do the same. It is crucial that we support these businesses to keep our local economy moving.”

"The reason we're still standing is because our service is great. Customers always recommend us to friends and their families," Eatemad said.

Planning to head south for the holidays? Great Shapes, 173 S. Central Ave., will hold a storewide sale, with all bathing suits and swimwear at 25 percent off this weekend. Manager Lisa Louerman said the store is always busy this time of the year as people plan their vacations to escape the cold weather.

Great Shapes is the only store in the country to offer some of its exclusive brands, Louerman said.

"We have a great selection and offer personal service, things you can't find anywhere else," she said.

If you plan to decorate the house right after Thanksgiving, Harrow's, 111 S. Central Ave., will have a 25 percent discount on its artificial Christmas trees.

The seasonal Christmas shop, now open after replacing Spookytown, also will offer up to 50 percent off its Christmas decor, Harrow's manager said.

For extreme clearances, try shopping at Chef Central on Saturday. The kitchen and cookware store, 45 S. Central Ave., is holding "KitchenAid Day," when customers can get 20 percent off any KitchenAid item and watch in-house chefs demonstrate the brand's popular items.

A Chef Central manager said many people come to the store right after Thanksgiving to load up on fall items for next year, for which the store offers up to 50 percent off.

All small businesses are automatically part of Small Business Saturday. For more information about where to shop or how to get the word out about your business, visit the event's website.